Jubilant Perth Glory coach Alistair Edwards has flown home to Perth knowing his side have what it takes to be a threat in the A-League finals.
The Western Australian club have endured a bumpy year but their hopes of a top-six finish are alive after a stunning 3-2 win over Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Saturday.
In one of the games of the season, Josh Risdon scored a sensational winning goal in the 94th minute after Victory looked to have rescued a draw when substitute Christopher Cristaldo made it 2-2 only moments earlier.
"For a neutral, I think it was a really good game of football, a great advert for the A-League. We are delighted to be going home with the three points," Edwards said.
"Our motto has been 'stay in the game - no matter what'. It just shows you there's a great morale amongst the boys.
"Since I've come into the club, I can't fault the morale, the camaraderie and their willingness to take new things on board.''
Edwards admitted the pressure to come away from the Victorian capital with the points – for the sake of their season - drove Glory's resolve during the dying stages.
"We wanted to make sure we could play some more games this year because we are going back to Perth to open a new stadium next week," he said.
"The dream is still alive for us.
"You saw some glimpses of what Perth Glory are moving towards and we were delighted in that change room to not only get the three points but also the actual performance."
Enigmatic Irish important Liam Miller was brilliant in the midfield, especially in the first half as the visitors took a 2-1 lead into the break after Chris Harold and Travis Dodd had found the back of the net.
Superb crosses from Miller were the sources of both goals.
"That's the type of performance we are expecting from Liam week in, week out," Edwards said.
"He is used to playing as one of the midfielders in a flat four and we have got him in a number 10 role, further up the field and he is learning that role."
Edwards was optimistic when asked if he considered Glory to be a finals threat.
"I think so for sure, there is a genuine belief," he said.
"A lot of our individual performances are starting to improve – the likes of Liam Miller and are wide players, and Steve McGarry and Matias (Cordoba).
"The boys are really looking forward to the game next week (against) Adelaide, we're expecting a bumper crowd for the opening of the new stadium."
